Ottumwa Daily Courier

William "Dennis" Conley

December 04, 1957 - January 31, 2019

William "Dennis" Conley Sr., age 61, of Albia, passed away on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his loved ones. Dennis was born on December 4, 1957, at the Albia Hospital to James and Theresa (McGee) Conley. He grew up and attended school in Albia graduating from the Albia High School with the Class of 1977. In July of 1980, he was united in marriage to Anna Hunt at the First Christian Church in Albia. To this union three children were born, Dennis, Aaron, and Emily. Dennis and Anna shared 21 years of marriage and later divorced; however, remained life-long friends. Dennis was a 3rd generation carpenter, owning and operating Conley Construction with his 2 brothers, Jim and Dan, until 2009. In 2008, he started Conley Spray Foam with his 2 sons, Dennis and Aaron, which he was still operating. Dennis's talent and carpentry skills have not only made a lasting impact on his children, but can also be seen throughout the community in numerous houses he has built as well as historic buildings that he helped restore. Dennis was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his younger years, he enjoyed being outdoors and hunting. Dennis loved to travel and experience new places. He loved riding motorcycles and enjoyed traveling to many different places on his bike including to various rallies, such as Sturgis, Daytona, and Laughlin, Nevada, as well as different rallies held within the state. Dennis delighted in traveling to Ireland and embraced his Irish heritage. He loved to entertain and socialize with others. He was an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoyed attending games, including numerous Bowl games. He also became a Milwaukee Brewers fan due in large part to his son-in-law, Nick. Above all, his true joy in life was spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, Adeline, Flynn, and Cora. Dennis is survived by his 3 children, Dennis (Jenn) Conley of Albia, Aaron Conley of Albia, and Emily (Nick) Baker of Phoenix, AZ; their mother, Anna Conley of Albia; 3 grandchildren, Adeline, Flynn, and Cora Baker; 2 step grandsons, Carson and Caleb Toopes; and 3 brothers, Jim (Sandy) Conley and Daniel Conley, both of Albia, and John (Marcia) Conley of Shawnee, Kansas. Dennis is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Theresa and a daughter-in-law, Nicole Conley. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., on Thursday, February 7, 2019, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Dennis's family present throughout the day. A rosary will be led at 6:00 p.m., provided by the Knights of Columbus Council #4167 and will be immediately followed by a Christian Wake Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 8, 2019, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Father Michael E. Volkmer C.PP.S. and Father Alban Baker officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia. A memorial has been established to the Knights of Columbus. Condolences may be left for the family at www.tharpfh.com.